Monday, January 24, 2011

Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest!!

The Top Ten Countdown Music Blogfest is here!

Hardest post... ever. Distilling 100's of all time favs down to just 10 is almost impossible. (Those of you who were struggling, I feel your pain!) So, with apologies to all the great songs that didn't make the list, here we go.


1. Natural Science - Rush - Permanent Waves
I could have made a list of top 100 Rush songs. But Natural Science is a standout track among standout tracks. Musically complex and layered this is a prog fan's dream song. I never get tired of listening to this masterful piece of work.




2. The Count of Tuscany - Dream Theater - Black Clouds and Silver Linings
Just when I thought DT couldn't get any better, their latest disc dropped with an instant classic. A master class in musicianship and arrangement, this is DT at their very best. I was fortunate enough to see DT live and watching Guitarist John Petrucci shred through this song was astounding. Clocking in at a little over 19 minutes, this is a true musical journey.


3. System - In Flames - Reroute to Remain
I picked up this disc after hearing "Cloud Connected" but "System" was the track that made my jaw hit the floor. Heavy, aggressive, catchy...this song manages to encapsulate everything great about metal into one signature song.




4. Wasted Years - Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time
One of the greatest riffs ever. This song had an amazing video showing artist renditions of Eddie (the Iron Maiden Mascot) over the years. And I truly appreciate the lyrics that become more poignant as I grow older.
"Don't waste the time always searching for those wasted years. Face up, make your stand. And realize your living in the golden years."

5. Painkiller - Judas Priest - Painkiller
Everybody thought JP was done after the ill-conceived album "Turbo" (although I kinda liked it.) But they fought their way back with the disc "Ram it Down" and then cemented their status as metal gods with the blistering anthem "Painkiller." Pure aggression and balls-out metal, this is one of the best.



6. Easter - Marillion - Seasons End
I learned to play the guitar, in part, just to play this song. Such an achingly beautiful song about the warmth of the Irish spirit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a beautiful land full of people raising families amidst the threat of violence. I listened to this song over and over during a train ride to Scotland and the song is indelibly linked together with those great memories.

7. Rose of Sharyn - Killswitch Engage - The End of Heartache
I just love the lyrics to this song. For me (lyrics can have different meaning for different people) the song deals with Jesus singing to God while on the cross. A heavy song with great riffs and crushing vocals, the song is also quite beautiful.



8. Cowboys from Hell - Pantera - Cowboys from Hell
This song was a game changer for an entire genre of music. Dimebag Darryl and the boys came along and ushered forth a new heavy in heavy metal. This song takes aggression to 11 and beyond. At the time, this was the most aggressive onslaught that I had ever heard and I absolutely loved it.


9. Over My Head - King's X - Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
Tinged with mixes of soul and hard rock, this song blew my socks off. With an incredible riff and a catchy chorus that stays in your head for days, this is one of the coolest songs ever written.




10. My Name is Love - Rob Dickinson - Fresh Wine for the Horses
Rob is one of my all time favorite singers when he was with Catherine Wheel. His solo album starts out with a song that speaks to my heart. I can now sum up my relationship with God with this one song.
"When everything inside, ups and changes our lives,
When everything else has died,
My name is Love"

Special props to:
Rainbow in the Dark - Dio
Shooting Shark - BOC
Albatross - Corrosion Of Conformity
Holy Wars, The Punishment Due - Megadeth
Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck - Prong
Thoughts Without Words - Shadow's Fall
It Can Happen - Yes

Please visit the others who’ve signed up for the blogfest, as I’m sure you’ll find some cool new tunes.

Comments, thoughts, and what are YOUR favorites?

137 comments:

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

OMG, Alex, I'm not familiar with any of these, probably because I'm not very into rock & metal music. Lovely presentation though :)

Ellie Garratt said...

Do you know I didn't know any of your songs, which just goes to show how many songs are out there and how different our tastes can be!

Thank you for the pain (LOL) and awesome blogfest!

My Top Ten Songs

Melissa said...

I'm not that into metal but the rock songs! You do have some good ones on here. I love Rush!

You have an amazing turnout for this blog fest. It was a great idea and I can't wait to go through and hopefully find new music! Thanks Alex!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Hi, I didn't know any of your though I expect you won't know mine, but it's the taking part.

It took me hours to get mine on as my photo's kept disappearing and had to restart ,,,,several times,
but alls well that ends well.

Good luck with your fest
Yvonne.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

This looks a lot like my husband's list. :)

I loved hard rock and metal (circa 1980s-early 90s), but as I've gotten older, I think I've gotten softer. :)

Margo Benson said...

An awesome list, Alex and a wonderful blogfest. I love Rush as well. Yay, another Dio fan!

Jessica Bell said...

I seem to remember you really being into metal! You really ought to check out Gordian Knot. I think you'd love them. I think I might have recommended them to you once before :o)

Liz P said...

I have to admit there's a few on here I am not familiar with, but I'll definitely check them out at some point. It's really cool to see all the different music people are into.

Great blogfest, thanks so much for hosting! :)

Ted Cross said...

Wow, your tastes and mine are so different. I really like Cowboys From Hell, though I wouldn't say I love it, and that's the only one from your list I know...

S.A. Larsenッ said...

These are great! You're a fan of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest? Man, aren't those familiar from high school.

Thanks for hosting this fest, Alex. Great time.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nebular, surely you've heard of a couple bands though? Rush has been around for almost forty years.

Ellie, glad you suffered through the pain!

Melissa, Rush rocks! Have a great day exploring the posts.

Yvonne, sorry about the photos. You might not know the music, but Maiden and Priest are huge in England.

Elizabeth, I never lost the edge.

Margo - yeah!

Jessica, I'll check them out.

Ted, I'm sure you know some of the bands though.

Salarsen, I still like my metal!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Holy Metal, Batman... many of these are rock out the jams... i wanted to let you know i am going to build a cd of mp3's that i have of as many of the list i can see...

great rock-fester!

jeremy

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I know most of those bands, ALex! Count of Tuscanny is a beautiful song.

Anonymous said...

You rocker you. A couple of these are new to me so I'll play them on YouTube. Always like to hear something new. Thanks again for a great Blogfest!

James Garcia Jr said...

Had a great time working my list of ten, Alex. I know I took longer doing it than with the articles I write. Great fun! I can't wait to check out these lists and play them on iTunes. I'm sure I'll be adding songs today!
Love the Dio and Iron Maiden reference. I liked "Turbo" also, but I remember the ripples it caused.
-Jimmy

Jemi Fraser said...

The blog fest is fabulous, Alex!

Love Rush, but I don't know too many of the others :)

Alex Ong said...

See I was debating an "Honorable Mention" section but I didn't want to further complicate it. And they say writers can't self-edit.

Alex
Breakfast Every Hour

baygirl32 said...

Those are some sick songs! I have been working on my list for days. Will post it after clinic tonight

Vicki Rocho said...

While I've heard OF a few of these, the only one I've actually HEARD would be #1 because hubbers is a die hard fan and subjects us to their tunage all the time. He's gone to 3 concerts each of the last two years and has tickets for Cleveland already this April. Will have to direct him to your post to see if there's anything else in here he'd like.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I've learned new today--songs I don't know and I thought I knew them all. I'll check out some of these.

Matthew MacNish said...

Awesome Alex. Lot's of great thrash and metal here, but also some great classic rock. There is no drummer like Neil Peart, so I'm glad to see you included Rush, and Yes is a nice change of pace too.

Thanks for talking me into taking part in this blog fest.

Old Kitty said...

I recognise at least three - Dio (Yay!!!), Marillion and Rush!

I love your reasons why you chose your list - they really mean so much to you!!! Take care
x

LeX said...

Never heard of them

DEZMOND said...

he he I knew I wouldn't know a single song from your list :)) But I absolutely adore albumcover for Rob Dickinson, what a marvelous photo ... I would like such a pic on the cover of my album if I ever record it.

JE said...

Hmm ... I'm glad I'm not alone in not recognizing these artists. ;-) I've never been a huge music fan, but I'm sure these guys are great!

~JD

Kelly Polark said...

You are a rocker, Alex!
My sister just gave me her Rush Cd's so my 11 yr old rocker boy would be exposed to Rush. He loves Megadeth, Avenged, Slipknot, Lamb of God among other bands.
Thanks for an awesome blogfest! I had such trouble choosing, but had a blast doing it!

Erinn said...

Thanks for running the blog fest-- very kick ass choices.

Charles Gramlich said...

Painkiller and Cowboys from Hell. Those are two very good albums

Jules said...

Okay your fest was like a mental boot camp, my Head Banging friend. Sorry have heard of a few but not a metal fan, unless you go way back to like Hendrix :)

Thanks Alex, great fun!
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Tara said...

I knew Rush would be front and center over here ;)

Interesting how many of us I've seen so far that mention we could have used all songs from one/two artists. Sometimes you really connect with a certain band/artist!

As I was *still* struggling to get through this list - in bed with the laptop at 11ish the other night! - I happened to flip on VH1 Classic and they were doing the best Heavy Metal Songs of all time.

Unknown said...

Another list where I haven't heard a single song. Wow, I thought I had a variety in my playlist but I was wrong. Thanks for the cool blogfest.
CD

vic caswell said...

jiminey! i haven't heard of a single one of these songs... i have heard of some of the bands though! yikes! it seems like i'm saying the same thing at every blog! what a musically diverse group of followers you have! :) thanks for hosting such a fun blogfest! :)

WritingNut said...

I only recognized Rush... but I'm sure the others are just as great :)

Awesome list and great explanations on all of them.

CA Heaven said...

Nice to see a metal list. Iron Maiden is good old stuff of course, and you have In Flames too. I think the Clayman album is their best. If you like In Flames you might want to check out some of the other Gothenburg death-metal bands, like Dark Tranquility and At The Gates >:)

Cold As Heaven

Anonymous said...

Just noticed an honorable mention to Megadeath. I was a big fan back in the day. Cool videos too. Hello me, meet the real me.

Luna said...

Thanks for the blogfest and sharing your rockin' list! I like that you had a list of honorable mentions. :)

Carol Kilgore said...

#4
I would've had a brain ache trying to find my top ten. Good job. I'm off to read others.

DL Hammons said...

I didn't take part in this one because I knew I would never be able to pick out just ten songs. Your list is definitely off the beaten path though! I'll check them all out! :)

Jen said...

I know the bands, not too familiar with the songs though. Good thing I'm open to spending all day listening to music.

N. R. Williams said...

I think I live in a vacuum. I haven't heard any of these songs. Thanks for your comments on Helen's blog.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Ella said...

Interesting list, I love Rush, but a lot I didn't recognize. I look forward to hearing them. I know before the day is done, I am going to be reliving some memories, through everyone's picks and discovering new tunes to inspire and enjoy!

VR Barkowski said...

I know all the bands, but not the tunes. Time for a little musical exploration. Thanks for the [awesome, yet mentally taxing] blog hop!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, I do like to rock!

Diane, it's an amazing song.

Yoou're welcome, Stephen - rock on!

James, I struggled as well. Too many great riffs.

Jemi, let's hear it for Rush!

Alex, feel free to edit.

Baygirl, I like my metal.

Vicki, your husband is cool! Tell him I've seen them over twenty times now...

Matthew, you knew you couldn't say no. And Rush is my favorite, so the whole list could've been just Rush songs.

Kitty, that's good! Marillion is from Scotland.

Dezz, yeah, it's a cool cover. I think you'd like that one.

Kelly, that's cool! let your little boy rock.

Erinn, I tried!

Charles, yes they are!

Jules, but it made you think, didn't it?

Tara, leave it to VH1 to help you out. And yes, Rush could've filled all ten spots.

Clarissa, if you're not a headbanger, then I'm sure my list is unique to you!

Thanks, Cold - I will.

Stephen, bet you could recite it, too.

Jamie, my list was originally 80 songs long...

Carol, let's hear it for Maiden!

DL, I like my metal.

Jennee, most probably know the bands - I just rarely pick the big hits.

NR, you're probably just not a headbanger, that's all.

Ella, Rush is awesome! yes, some of the lists are like a walk down memory lane.

Helen Ginger said...

Don't know these albums. Have heard of most of the artists, though. I should try to update myself. I seem to be stuck back in the oldies.

Hannah said...

Awesome list. I'm surprised that Megadeth didn't make your tip list! Wth, Alex?! :P

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Sorry I'm not enough into music to know any of these. Like Helen I seem to also be stuck in the oldies!

Monti
NotesAlongTheWay

Jeff Beesler said...

The more I read the entries into the blogfest, the more I realize the variety of taste people have, a good thing for sure. Quite a few interesting selections stemming from the world of metal on your list. Thanks for hosting the blogfest!

Trevor Peck said...

Alex,

Love your list! So much so, that I'll give my own a try. I have a strange feeling that your #6, could be a lot higher on my list! For the record - I kinda liked "Turbo" as well, although my fave by JP is "the sentinal"...anyway, sweet list, sweet idea!

Lydia Kang said...

With all that metal at your house, you probably need a lead level checked.
Ha ha!
Thanks for sucking me into this blogfest, Alex!

Sangu Mandanna said...

You've got some great stuff on here, Alex! And a lot of stuff I've never heard of, but will definitely have to check out!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I’m feeling old – don’t recognize the songs or the bands! I guess this shows I need to branch out in my musical tastes.

Dempsey Sanders said...

well you got me here, other than iron maiden, im at a loss with who the others are though I will check them out. Like Iron and wasted years is so cool.
This blogfest Alex is a great way of getting bloggers to come together, well done!

Chris Phillips said...

I like the dream theater track

Saumya said...

Uh oh. Is it bad that I haven't listened to any of these? You may have added to my writing music by A LOT. I enjoy girly pop songs that you probably would not be caught dead listening to. You know, classy things like Ke$ha and Lady Gaga, haha.

Arlee Bird said...

This list is definitely you all the way--I'm not too surprised. I really like Iron Maiden's "Somewhere In Time" album. I have it on cassette somewhere. I used to love to listen to this one while on the road.

Lee
Tossing It Out

M Pax said...

Had to come see what the guitar man has on the list. :) Lots of heavy guitar. Great inspiration.

Thanks for hosting this blogfest.

Nicki Elson said...

Ooh, I'll check out that Rob Dickinson song. Nice touch w/ the album covers. Thanks for hosting the fest!

Glynis Peters said...

I have to go and find out some of these, they are new to me.

LTM said...

omg--*snort* Cowboys from Hell...

sigh.

I see you're a fan of the alt-time, complex, key-changing technical, ex-studio musicians metal. And Neil Peart didn't even use a click track. He's a machine.

I'm curious--why no Queensryche? ;p This has been a fun blogfest to read. I could never have participated... too many choices~

M.J. Fifield said...

My significant other and my best friend would be absolutely crazy over your list. especially because of your inclusion of Rush, Dream Theater and King's X.

Such a fun Blogfest, Alex! Thanks so much.

Bossy Betty said...

You are so rockin' cool, Alex!

Pat Tillett said...

Your list has some of everything on it. I like it!

Anonymous said...

OOOOOH, nice list!!!!!

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

I gotta say, most of these are stumpers. I'd have to actually hear them to know if I've heard them before.

Cheeseboy said...

Wow. I never knew you were such a metalhead! Interesting choices. Love the Rush selection.

Perhaps I will have to join in. I'm afraid that my 1-10 would all be Pink Floyd songs though.

CA Verstraete said...

Interesting to see people's choices as mine were mostly '70s "pop." I confess, some of these I don't know either... but I didn't like a lot of rock...

Chris Verstraete
Searching for a Starry Night

Sarah Ahiers said...

ooh, i do love me some Killswitch Engage. Nice list!

Budd said...

wow, you like heavy metal. Know we know, and knowing is half the battle.

DiscConnected said...

Whaddya know, Alex?

Both Cavanaughs have a Marillion song on their lists, and both are from the Hogarth-era!

Many of your bands were, of course, not a surprise, but some of the song choices were.

Funny how often the "radio" tracks get overshadowed by deeper album cuts as our favorites.

I'd forgotten Catherine Wheel, and will need to check out the solo disc. I saw them at some alternative fest in Baltimore ages ago and used to have their first couple discs.

Larry Cavanaugh

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helen, at least you know the bands!

Hannah, too many songs, too little room!

jeffrey, it's all about the variety.

Trevor, cool - another rocker!

Lydia, thanks for joining in the fun.

Jane, I just like to keep up with new music.

Thanks, Dempsey - and glad you're back!

Karen, you should check out Yvonne's list then.

Chris, Dream Theater is amazing!

Saumya, I like my manly metal!

Lee, didn't think I'd surprise you after the Fifteen Fantasy Island Favorites.

M Pax, I'm trying to learn from the best.

Nicki, you'd really like that song.

LTM - it's not a successful blogfest until I've made someone snort! yes, I like complex music and Peart is THE best. Sorry, Queesnryche just missed the cut.

Haleine, they are cool people then!

Thanks Betty and Pat!

Cheeseboy, Rush is the best! Feel free to join in - most of the lists are quite unique.

Chris, I'm just not a pop person.

Falen, they're amazing!

Unknown said...

Hey Alex,

Thanks again for hosting! Loving your choices (the ones I know) and will have to check out the ones I don't...

Tessa.xx

Paul Joseph said...

I should have known I wouldn't know a SINGLE song from the creator of this awesome blogest. Sigh. That's okay though - it will give me something to go explore when I have my next episode of writer's block. OH! And very clever with that honorable mention list. I should have went that route.

Gregg Metcalf said...

Well, I am not really surprised, but I have to admit I have never heard of any of these songs. I have heard of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but none of the other groups. Thanks for the opportunity to share, I liked this blogfest!

Ishta Mercurio said...

Hey, thanks for the blogfest!

I don't know most of these - thanks for pointing me to some new (to me) music.

Hart Johnson said...

Too funny--I can tell you were a couple years behind me on the hard rock circuit--I think I am a few years older, but my 'party years' I was also hanging out with guys older than me. Judas Priest was definitely on the play list, but with AC/DC, Van Halen (pre-Hagar), the Scorpions... I was off to college (and thinking metal was a small town thing) by the time Pantera and Iron Maiden were big with my 'back home' friends.

My fondness for metal re-emerged about the time I figured out it really bugged my husband to have a 'redneck' wife--aren't I terrible?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tessa, glad you're having fun!

Paul, yeah, unless you're a metal head, you won't know those songs.

Gregg, glad you've enjoyed it!

Hart, you are terrible! And we're probably the same age - I just didn't like most 70's hard rock.

Alicia Gregoire said...

As you went down your list, I started recognizing songs that I know and love. I have to agree with what you say about Painkiller. :)

Abby Minard said...

You are such a boy ;p I think I only recognized one of these songs, but they all look very manly. Nice list Alex!

ali cross said...

Ooh, a heavy metal fan! I think my DH has some of these (because they're the ones I cringe at while he's in charge of the radio in the car, lol). I'll have to hook him up with the ones he doesn't have from your list. Because, you know, I DO love him, even though I'm not a fan of the wanker music ;)

We can still be friends, too Alex. :D

Karen Lange said...

Great blogfest, Alex!

Mara Nash said...

So, yeah, I don't know any of the music on your list, though I'm familiar with some of the band names even though I don't listen to them.

I incorporated my partial music list with the Write The Next Line blogfest which is also going on today. I'm not a huge musicphile, just listen to it as background while I write or work out, mostly. Otherwise music isn't a big part of my life, so I only managed maybe six, and I wouldn't say they're "favorite," per se, but still stuff I like.

Anyway, cool blogfest!

Emily White said...

Oh my goodness, these are such great picks! Iron Maiden especially!

Golden Eagle said...

I haven't heard of much on this list--I'll be looking them up!

It's been great reading all the blogfest posts!

Colene Murphy said...

OH. Kill Switch Engage takes me back...ha! This is an awesome fest day!! Success for you!!

RaShelle Workman said...

Hey Alex - Well, I've heard of exactly two of your songs. I guess that's not bad. I'll have to check out the others someday. This was such a frickin tough blogfest. Sheesh. Totally fun, though. Thanks for hosting. =D

K, off to visit the others.

Michael Di Gesu said...

TOO MUCH FUN!

It is so cool to see you favorites on other blogs!

Great idea, Alex!

Michael

j.m. neeb said...

Alex - This blogfest was a lot of fun and it's been wonderful seeing what other writers listen to. Thank you so much for hosting this one!! (Even though I have a slight grudge because it was REALLY tough to limit myself to 10!) (Put a lot of emphasis on the word "slight" in the previous sentence...)

Unknown said...

Metaller heaven ;)
There are some heavy tracks here - who'd have thought?!

Donea Lee said...

Wow - 121 entries, that's awesome! Now, I bet if I dug into my husband's cds, I might see a few of these songs...otherwise? Clueless. Sorry - but, I'm definitely going to look some up! Want to make sure I'm not missing out on some great previously undiscovered music!

PK HREZO said...

YOu're a hard core rocker for sure! THanks for the awesome idea for this blogfest... it's been so much fun!

Jolene Perry said...

Love, love, love Pantera and Rush - both don't get the credit they deserve. Thanks again for hosting!

Jai Joshi said...

Interesting list, Alex.

Judas Priest is always good to listen too.

I've always thought how amazing it is that Rush is so well known yet they've never recieved any major recognition. At the same time I salute them for that. They were paying attention to the music, rather than hollow awards ceremonies and red carpets. Got to respect that.

Jai

Denise Covey said...

I don't know any/many of your songs but there's a couple I want to listen to right now by your description - The Rose of Sharyn, Easter and the Count of Tuscany. They sound brilliant!

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

ALEX ~
I'm not familiar with a single one of your Top Ten Tunes, but then I dropped out on contemporary music 'bout 1985. I traveled primarily the Blues and Jazz route from that point on.

But, hey, thanks for organizing this Blogfest. You sure managed to get a GREAT turnout!

~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'

Unknown said...

Cowboys from Hell...Yes!! Love Pantera and you have Priest, too. Rock on! This was awesome. I am just getting so many new tunes to check out and meeting so many new people. :)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Wow, I like how you put the covers on there, too. I didn't think about that and you go into great detail--puts me to shame!

♥.•*¨ Elizabeth ¨*•.♥

Amity said...

You love music Alex? Errrmm....if ever, I happen not to know any single one of the Top Ten, or maybe it is not my genre, lols....:)

I had to listen them in youtube to find out how it sounds...ha ha ha...funny me...:)

I am the country music fan in the likes of Simply Jessie by Rick Smith, Vanessa Williams' Save the Best for Last, Terminal by America,Kenny Roger's She Believes in Me and Through the Years...ha ha ha...

Too good I didn't join, if ever, I would be laughing at myself after finding out what are the top ten...:D

Happy Tuesday!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Alicia, it's a great song.

Abby, I can only do manly!

Thanks, Ali. And I'll let the wanker comment slide...

Mara, your list was so unique! I should've given a prize...

Emily, that's cool!

Golden, it's been fun today.

Colene, glad you've enjoyed.

Thanks, and good luck, RaShelle - we've over 120 signed up now!

Thanks, Michael.

jm, don't hate me for my aggravating brilliance...

Elaine, that's me!

Donea, they're all from metal bands, but not all are heavy - I promise!

Pk, glad you've had fun!

Jolene - you are one cool chick in my book!

Jai, exactly! They've always recorded their style of music.

L'Aussie, they are! Sorry I didn't provide links.

Thanks, Stephen!

Melissa - awesome!

Elizabeth, everyone did something different, and that is what's cool!

Amity, if you like country, then my music probably scares you...

Anonymous said...

I can almost feel my eardrums blowing out when I look at your list, Alex. Awesome!! *raises cigarette lighter*

Candyland said...

I highly underestimated you, Alex! This is a heavy list!! I love it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, thanks! Now I have the full concert experience. Wait, can you get a really tall guy to stand in front of my wife as well?

Candy, I don't fool around when it comes to my music! Fast and heavy.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I don't know the majority on your list but I've loved this blogfest. Thanks for hosting!

Trisha said...

I get the feeling I need to get hold of all the songs on here I haven't heard before. LOVE Rush, though I need to expand my collection big time. Catherine Wheel are definitely one of my all-time faves, it was tough picking just one song. But that one has sentimental value as it's the first I heard (and by ACCIDENT!!!).

Thanks for hosting this :)

alexia said...

Great list! Thanks for the awesome fest!

Copyboy said...

You and my best friend obviously share a brain. He loves DT and Rush.

Summer Ross said...

I've heard of some of these bands- but never really listened to the music. This was a wonderfully fairy fun blogfest Alex- thanks so much for hosting it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, glad you enjoyed it!

Trisha, Rush is amazing! And too cool about the Catherine Wheel. Almost no one's heard of them. Safe to say most of my choices reflect those types of bands.

Copyboy, your friend is uber-cool then!

Summer, glad you had fun!

dolorah said...

My country choices happened out of the theme of the post, once I got started writing it.

I see you would have approved of my Megadeath and Iron Maiden choices had they survived the cut. I enjoy heavy metal, but I roam into all kinds of musical genre's. If I had to pick an all time fav band though, it'd probably be Pink Floyd.

What are the chances of getting to hear YOU play sometime?

.....dhole

Karen M. Peterson said...

I don't think I've ever heard a single one of these songs. :-)

Patricia A. Timms-McGehee said...

Okay, I peg you for around one of my older sister's age. Your list would likely match hers near 90% at least. Rush was great. No Ozzy/Black Sabbath? Surprised here. No Kiss? I would be inerested to know why. I could definitely add Changes by Black Sabbath but it was only a list of 10. Thanks for organizing this mayhem, it was fun! Now I have to go back through my tapes and see what I've left out like Faith No More, haha!

Unknown said...

Not sure I can hum along to any of those songs. Well, maybe two of them. Let me check again. No, maybe just one. Or not. This was a great idea, though!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, of course I'm familiar with many of them (Rush, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Pantera and Dickinson), but I've never heard any of these particular songs :)

Renee Silvana said...

LOVE your taste in music! Not too often DreamTheater makes a list!

The Words Crafter said...

Hey Alex, just wanted to say thanks for letting me jump in at the last moment!

I love Rush and I'm familiar with some of the other bands, but I'm going to have to look up The Count of Tuscany and Easter and My Name is Love. Hmmmm.....

And somehow, I missed that you had a Yes song in the Special Props!!!! Yay for Yes!!!! That one is on my Yes top five!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, slim to none! I'm still not that good.

Patricia, I like Ozzy but not Sabbath, and was never a Kiss fan. Really like Faith No More though.

Kelley, most people aren't into my kind of music.

Renee, that's excellent!

Words, no problem! Rush is awesome and those three songs you named are all very melodic - think you'd enjoy them!

Unknown said...

You my friend have the gift of awesome (music included).

I'm in awe of your blogfest fun. Everyone has such a good time. It's absolutely incredible!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the blogfest Alex! It's been a ton of fun, and I'm looking forward to checking out some new songs and artists.

A Beer for the Shower said...

What, no Justin Bieber?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Jen - not a music minor for nothing! And I'm overwhelmed by the response to this fest.

Glad you had a good time, Kelly!

Beer, you couldn't pay me!

Regina said...

Wow, I listen to music 24/7 but don't know if I could narrow it down to 10. Great blogfest though. Wonderful idea.

RosieC said...

Oh, gosh, I feel like a music sissy! I'm almost intimidated by the metallic edge of your choices. There are a few on here that I'm not familiar with (Marillion, Killswitch Engage), and its been many years since I've listened to Judas Priest. I'm inspired, though, and think I'll hop over to youtube for a reintroduction.

Thanks for hosting! :)

Southpaw said...

Hi Alex. I’ve heard of the bands but don’t recall the actually songs. I’m not very good with titles.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Regina - it was a lot of fun.

Rosie, I like my metal!

Holly, as long as you know some of the bands, I'm good.

Jamie Gibbs said...

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! Awesome list, Alex, I knew I could count on your to bring the metal with you :D I've only heard the cover of Snap Your Fingers by Demon Hunter, I must listen to the original.
Excellent choices :D Congrats on the success of the blogfest too!

Jennie Bailey said...

I saved the best list for last (to comment on). Nice! I love the Special Props. Rainbow in the Dark was one of my favorites, though it didn't make the list (ten is hard!!).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Jamie! This was a blast. And you had some fine metal choices as well, my friend.

Hey Jennie! I know ten was difficult, but can you imagine if everyone had posted a top 40? Dio is awesome. Really a shame we lost Ronnie last year.

Katrina L. Lantz said...

Thanks so much for hosting this blogfest! It was really fun looking through everybody's songs. I'm still looking today, there are so many entries!

'My Name is Love' sounds amazing. I'm looking it up right now!

Peace!

Lisa said...

I was happy to see Rush at the top of your list. :)

And I LOVE "Rainbow in the Dark", by Dio.

Deniz Bevan said...

Yay for Rush! So few of the lists I've seen have mentioned Canadian bands.
This was a great idea for a blogfest, Alex! I hope I hope I hope I can make it around to everyone this week... (Mine'll go up tomorrow morning)

Deniz Bevan said...

Is it really too late to join the linky? :-(

Julie Musil said...

Woo hoo! The list is revealed! You can tell a lot by a person by the music they love. I have a feeling you were one of the cool kids, right?

I loved Barry Manilow. No doubt what that says about me :D

Trisha said...

OMG, I only just saw that you mentioned "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck" further down. I lOOOOVE that song. and I know one Corrosion of Conformity song only, but I love it to bits. :D

J.C. Martin said...

Thanks for hosting this 'fest! "My Name is Love" sounds interesting! Loving the cover with the seahorses!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Katrina, glad you had fun!

Lisa, Rush should top every list.

Deniz, Rush is amazing! And I'll see if I can't slip your link in later.

Julie, actually I was just one of the band geeks...

Trisha, it just missed the top ten. And I saw C of C in concert several years ago.

JC, it's a beautiful song!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I see you like a certain musical genre. I know some of the bands but not the songs.

Thanks for hosting this. Can't wait til the next one.

Chris K. said...

Thanks for starting this blogfest, sharing your favorites, and taking the time to come take a look at my blog!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

PTM, I like my hard rock!

Chris, thanks for joining the fun!